Union Berlin vs Werder Bremen preview: Can Bremen continue their European push? | OneFootball

Union Berlin

You could be forgiven for forgetting that Union Berlin has existed this season.

It feels like they’re been in purgatory all year. They’ve not been in any real relegation danger, but they’ve also failed to come close to contending for a place in Europe. Berlin’s been living in the lower-mid-table spaces.

They have secured their Bundesliga status for another year, as they’re 11 points clear of the bottom three with three games to go. Die Eisernen are also 12 points away from 6th, so they don’t technically have anything to play for except pride and their own personal development.

Union hasn't stepped off the gas, though. They’re in the midst of a seven match unbeaten run, which includes a crazy 4-4 draw against VfB Stuttgart. Their most recent contest was less eventful, as it ended in a 1-1 tie versus VfL Bochum.

Benedict Hollerbach grabbed Berlin’s only goal in that game, and he’ll be the attacker supporters need to keep their eye on this weekend. He can create a moment of magic in the blink of an eye, and he’s secured a solid total of nine goals this campaign. He’ll look to add to that tally.

Union might not be the most exciting team in the country, but they’re certainly one of the toughest to beat.

Team newsBerlin are struggling a bit on the injury front, with Aljoscha Kemlein, Diogo Leite, Jérome Roussillon, Josip Juranovic, Robert Skov, and Woo-Yeong Jeong all concerns for the contest.

Werder Bremen

While Werder Bremen’s unreal run of wins came to an end last time out, they still have an unbeaten streak just like the opposition.

Bremen were held to a scoreless draw, ultimately tying regional neighbors St. Pauli 0-0 at the Weserstadion. It was a rare result, as it was only the 2nd game to end without a goal from either side during the nearly four years that manager Ole Werner has been in charge.

While they were a bit disappointed to have dropped points, they’re still right in the thick of the European picture. Werder are currently one point off 7th, two points off 6th, and three points behind 5th. If they really want to start dreaming, they’re technically five points off UEFA Champions League football.

It’s too close to call, and the Green-Whites cannot worry about what’s going on elsewhere. They know it’s up to them. If they can end the year with three more wins, or at least two wins and a draw, then they’ll have a decent chance of qualifying for international competition.

They do have a dilemma up top. Oliver Burke has been their best forward as of late, but according to various rumors and reports online he has already agreed to a deal with a new club at the end of the campaign when his Bremen contract runs up. Who is that team? None other than Union Berlin.

While everyone knows Burke is a true professional, and they can trust him to keep working hard like always, it would be a strange situation to see him lined up against his future employers.

Then again, maybe another goal from the Scotsman would be exactly what this storyline calls for.

Team newsLoanee Andre Silva is a doubt through illness, while Milos Vejlkovic remains unavailable due to injury.